McCarthy's experience of relegation battles could be priceless for threatened Wigan

Another transfer window closes and Wigan Athletic still manage to hold on to James McCarthy. That can only be good news for my old club and Ireland.

He is still only 22 but James has already played 100 Barclays Premier League games and nearly as many with Hamilton Academical. But he did make his debut at 16.

Most have been at the wrong end of the division and keeping hold of James was essential for Roberto Martinez as he plots another relegation escape. Wigan haven’t replicated the impressive late form of last season when they stayed up and they’re back in the bottom three.

Boost: Wigan kept hold of 22-year-old James McCarthy during the January transfer window

I may be biased, as a player who fought relegation more than winning promotions or titles, but there’s a lot to be said for gaining experience under duress.

It’s tough and stressful because you’re not winning, but builds character. You have to handle defeats and knockbacks, but still believe in your own ability and maintain consistency.

James has done that, which is impressive at his age. Most 22-year-olds only have a handful of games so he’s a rare commodity in the modern game.

His excellent performances at the heart of Wigan’s midfield, and comfortable step-up to international football, have caught the attention of Manchester United, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool for the last two windows.

Big money: Antonio Valencia moved to Manchester United from Wigan for £16million in the summer of 2009

It is typical of chairman Dave Whelan to keep his best players in January, and, if he is going to sell, arrange a deal which makes good money for Wigan in the summer and can be re-invested properly.

Antonio Valencia’s move to Manchester United was classic Dave Whelan. And if a club does come in with a good offer for James, I know he will negotiate a deal which is good for Wigan and James as well. In fact, James will be his number one concern.

Bringing back Paul Scharner was a good piece of business. Wigan know the importance of signing the right characters, Scharns hasn’t cost much, knows the club and has been involved in these battles before.

He’s eccentric, goes hill walking in Austria for his holidays, and is very quietly-spoken. But he’s a strong individual, who knows what he wants and he is a very good player.

Coming back: Paul Scharner returned to Wigan in January having previously had a four-and-a-half-year spell with the club

It’s a shame Aiden McGeady’s proposed move from Spartak Moscow didn’t materialise. He’s done brilliantly in Russia, gained terrific experience and looked the part more consistently for Ireland. But it would be nice to see him in the Premier League and he’d be a great signing for a team like Wigan.

The moment he came into the Ireland squad under Brian Kerr, his talent was obvious, with his electric movement and ability to manipulate the ball. Like James, he got terrible stick as a young lad for choosing Ireland ahead of Scotland but he’s strong-minded.

And hopefully Wigan will still be a Premier League team. It won’t be easy. They’ve done it so many times, people expect them to survive now. Roberto Martinez won’t believe that and I hope his players have not become complacent.

Ripped jeans and caps... what happened to the collar and tie days?

I know I turned 36 yesterday and I’m going to sound like a grumpy old man here.

But doesn’t transfer deadline day drive you mad?

From the moment Harry Redknapp started talking out of his car window, I couldn’t tear myself away. Whether it was watching the Sky reporters trying to out-do each other and shout above the gathering crowds, or the BBC’s Ian Dennis collating the latest news – looking very smart in the studio despite the stick he took because of his attire. Poor lad looked exhausted by the time the window shut at 11pm.

I went into the Sky studios in Manchester, to briefly join in and certainly got an insight into the madness behind the scenes as all the media organisations battle each other to break news. Bump into any journalist in January, and they’ll all ask 'have you heard anything?' Everyone wants the gossip.

There was no transfer deadline day when I moved from Preston North End to West Bromwich Albion in 1997. There wasn’t much of a medical either. Believe me, it was touch your toes, stretch your hamstrings and get a physio to mess about with your knees and ankles.

There were proper medicals at Sunderland, Everton, Wigan and Hull. The Hull one was very intense with more scans than Heathrow Airport.

The moves to Everton and Wigan were both on transfer deadline day, and I was fortunate that Mick McCarthy and David Moyes both kept me fully informed.

I was on Ireland duty when the call to Wigan came and had to return to the North West as the squad was preparing to play Germany in a World Cup qualifier. Poor Stan was going potty as players kept leaving the hotel to fix up last minute deals.

No collar: Scharner wore a furry coat and T-shirt on his return to Wigan

My former team-mates would tell you I’m in no position to comment due to my own gear but I do know that when I turned up for my first meeting, I would try to look smart.

On Thursday, players turned up in ripped jeans,T-shirt and caps and seemed to be their own scruffiest man of the day fashion show. Not even Denno could match some of the outfits. When they went to Stoke at one point, I didn’t know if the new American signing was mingling with the fans in the background.

Whatever happened to the days when players wore a collar and tie when signing for their new club? I must be getting old.

Thumbs-up

Paddy Madden

When he was banging in the goals for Bohemians and Shelbourne, Paddy was recommended to me by Pat Fenlon and I tried to get him over for Huddersfield Town.

He ended up at Carlisle United, after Graham Kavanagh got the same call and went to see him play, but he was young, didn’t really settle and things didn’t really work out for him there.

The move to Yeovil Town certainly has worked and he’s scoring goals again, going to 13 in 17 games this week.Thumbs down

Peter Odemwingie

I know it was his agent who will have advised him to jump in his car and drive to QPR, but what he did on Thursday night was just wrong.

Sadly, there are a few players and agents around the game now who won’t see anything untoward with trying to force through a move from West Brom.

Nothing really surprises you in the game now but it showed a real lack of respect, and poor advice.

Thumbs down: Peter Odemwingie failed to secure a move to QPR despite driving to London